I am constantly blown away when you, my lovely readers, send me encouraging messages, saying, “Perfect, that’s exactly what I needed for Sunday” or “I used your illustration at my men’s breakfast / cafe church / youth group and it went down a storm” or “Will there be a sketch for harvest? I do hope … More Thank You, and Merry Christmas
Silent night, holy night Still the night Holy the night Silent night Sacred night While the world slept Mary and Joseph were Watching over their baby, God’s baby, in a bare stable. The child, beloved and fair, sleeping in heavenly rest . (Pause) Still the night Holy the night Silent night Sacred night Special night … More Hymn Meditation – Silent night, holy night
Noel: Pack away the crib? Pack away the crib? You can’t do that!
Holly: Why ever not?
Noel: Because we haven’t finished with it yet.
Holly: Of course we’ve finished with it. Christmas is over. Baby Jesus, cows and donkeys, nice story for the kids. Done. Finished. Crib – box! … More Matthew 2:1-12 – Away with the Tinsel
Come, thou long-expected Jesus Every year we Celebrate your Birthday, Lord. Every year we Sing our Favourite carols, Hear familiar Scripture readings. Everywhere we look There is more joy and Happiness in those we see At work, At school, In shops, Even in long queues at The checkouts! Every year we Pray that you Will … More Hymn Meditation – Come, thou long-expected Jesus
The shepherds met Jesus at a few hours old. The wise men came a couple of years later. Andrew, Peter and the rest met him almost thirty years after that, and for me it was almost two millennia. The point is not when we arrived, but that we came. … More Isaiah 9:2-7 – The point is, they came.
On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry Picture John, Cousin of Jesus, Standing in the River Jordan Baptising. When suddenly John, with stomach Full of locusts And other assorted goodies Announces that the Lord is coming And will bring Glad tidings For all. John has prepared The path, The way made straight. In our heart let … More Hymn Meditation – On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
You see, it’s all to do with those darned perfume ads. If only it were that simple – I douse myself in ‘Eau d’Arnette’ and Colin Firth swings by in an Aston Martin with chocolate and flowers … sorry, I drifted off for a moment there. Reality, sadly, is a bit more messy. … More Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 – Oaks of Righteousness
The Angel Gabriel from heaven came What a shock! How would we feel, Suddenly confronted by an angel! How did Mary feel? It must have taken time to realise it wasn’t a dream. It may have been a bit like this: “Hi Mary” said Gabriel “You are a very favoured lady”. “You what!” said Mary … More Hymn Meditation – The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
Reflecting and Doing According to Flanders and Swann, hippos like to wallow in glorious mud. Apparently, it’s good for their skin. As Christians we are called to wallow in God’s word – just as good for us but less messy. To help us keep God’s word hidden in our hearts (Ps 119:11) try this simple … More Isaiah 40:1-11 – Wallowing in the Word
Of course it’s fun to wear dreadful jumpers to work, it’s lovely to sing carols by candlelight, it’s even OK to eat so many mince pies that your friends have to roll you home.
But just before we dive head-first in to the glitter-infused double cream (with a healthy dash of sherry for Gran), let’s take this opportunity to slow down, and use Advent to prepare for, rather than pre-empt Christ’s coming. … More Isaiah 64:1-9 – A ribbon-wrapped box containing nothing?
The Reflectionary 